Planning your finances is much easier when you know exactly when your Centrelink payments will arrive. The 2025–2026 payment cycle follows the usual pattern of fortnightly and monthly processing, with most payments released on Tuesdays and deposited into bank accounts the following day. To help pension recipients stay organised, here is the complete updated schedule for every payment date in late 2025 and the first half of 2026.
Centrelink Fortnightly Pension Payments for 2025–2026
How Fortnightly Payments Work
Most Centrelink pensions—including the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment—are processed every second Tuesday. While processing begins on Tuesday, the money typically becomes available on Wednesday. Depending on your bank, it may take up to two business days for funds to show.
Public holidays can shift the date slightly, but the following are the confirmed scheduled Tuesdays for the financial year.
Fortnightly Payment Dates
- Tuesday, 4 November 2025
- Tuesday, 18 November 2025
- Tuesday, 2 December 2025
- Tuesday, 16 December 2025
- Tuesday, 30 December 2025
- Tuesday, 13 January 2026
- Tuesday, 27 January 2026
- Tuesday, 10 February 2026
- Tuesday, 24 February 2026
- Tuesday, 10 March 2026
- Tuesday, 24 March 2026
- Tuesday, 7 April 2026
- Tuesday, 21 April 2026
- Tuesday, 5 May 2026
- Tuesday, 19 May 2026
- Tuesday, 2 June 2026
- Tuesday, 16 June 2026
- Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Centrelink Monthly Pension Payments for 2025–2026
How Monthly Payments Work
Some pension recipients receive payments on a monthly schedule. These typically fall near the end of each month, but weekends and holidays can shift the exact date. Monthly payments may also appear in bank accounts one to two days after processing, depending on banking times.
Monthly Payment Dates
- Friday, 28 November 2025
- Friday, 26 December 2025
- Wednesday, 28 January 2026
- Friday, 27 February 2026
- Friday, 27 March 2026
- Tuesday, 28 April 2026
- Thursday, 28 May 2026
- Friday, 26 June 2026
How Centrelink Processing and Bank Clearing Times Work
Centrelink maintains a predictable payment rhythm, which helps recipients plan ahead confidently. Your Member Online account will always display the next scheduled payment date. This date usually reflects the Wednesday after the Tuesday processing day.
Different banks have different clearing times. Some deposit funds instantly overnight, while others delay transfers by 24–48 hours. This is especially common during Christmas, Easter and long weekend periods.
What Happens When a Payment Date Falls on a Public Holiday?
If a scheduled Tuesday is a public holiday, Centrelink may move the processing date forward to avoid delays. Even when this happens, the time your bank takes to release the funds may remain unchanged. Checking your Member Online account a few days before any holiday period is the best way to stay updated.
FAQs
When will my Centrelink payment show in my bank?
Most payments appear on Wednesday, but depending on your bank, it may take up to two business days.
What if the payment date is on a public holiday?
Centrelink may pay you earlier. Banks may still take time to clear the funds.
Where can I confirm my next payment?
Check the Centrelink Member Online portal or the Express Plus Centrelink app.
Do these dates apply to all pensions?
Yes, these dates apply to Age Pension, DSP and Carer Payment recipients on fortnightly or monthly schedules.
Can my payment be delayed?
Bank processing times, public holidays or system maintenance can cause delays.
Conclusion
Knowing your Centrelink payment dates for 2025 and 2026 can make managing bills, budgeting and planning far easier. With a clear schedule for both fortnightly and monthly payments, pension recipients can stay prepared and avoid surprises—especially around holiday periods when banking delays are common. Checking your Member Online account regularly ensures you always have the most accurate information about your upcoming payment.